Helping a friend sign up: “Email domain could not be verified” with outlook.com

[shoguncao]

I am helping a friend who cannot create a GitHub account. This is my friend's signup attempt, not mine: they used the normal Microsoft Outlook address iolkdapich@outlook.com. The signup form shows Email domain could not be verified” under Email and blocks continuing. Their password and username fields validate OK. Screenshot attached.

I also contacted GitHub Support via Cant sign in?”. Why does outlook.com fail domain verification? Is this a known issue, and what should my friend try next?

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[Mr-Hasan-Hamid]

This usually happens because GitHub uses automated anti-abuse and MX check filters during signup. If the signup request triggers risk heuristics (often due to a newly created Outlook account, VPN/datacenter IP, or browser privacy extensions blocking the verification script), it throws "Email domain could not be verified".

A few quick things your friend can try:

1. Try signing up on mobile using cellular data (turning off Wi-Fi/VPN often bypasses the IP reputation block).
2. Open an Incognito/Private window with ad blockers disabled.
3. If the Outlook account was just created, send and receive a quick email from it first so Microsoft marks the inbox active.
4. Alternatively, sign up using a different email (like Gmail) and then add the Outlook address later in Settings > Emails once the account is created.

[shoguncao]

Thanks for the suggestions. A few clarifications from my friend’s side:

1. outlook.com is a major provider with normal MX records, so a generic “missing MX” explanation doesn’t seem to fit this case.
2. The Outlook address isn’t newly created — it’s been in use for several years.
3. They already tried signing up over mobile cellular data (Wi‑Fi/VPN off) and still get “Email domain could not be verified.”
4. Incognito/private window (with blockers disabled) still shows the same error.
5. Creating the account with Gmail or another provider isn’t an option they’re willing to use right now.

They’re stuck waiting on GitHub Support / looking for a path that keeps this existing Outlook address.

[shoguncao]

Appreciate the follow-up. GitHub Support replied to my friend. They said GitHub is pausing new sign-ups with Outlook or Hotmail addresses after observing sustained, coordinated fraud and abuse associated with those domains. Existing accounts are not impacted. In the meantime, they suggest signing up with another supported email, and they said they will continue evaluating ways to provide secure access while preventing abuse. They did not offer an exception or review path for @outlook.com.